Soccer-Mbengue gets all clear for Senegal debut

JOHANNESBURG, June 4 (Reuters) - Toulouse defender Cheikh
Mbengue has received last minute permission from FIFA to play
for Senegal in their African Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday
after the world governing body approved his nationality change.

Mbengue, who was capped by France at under-21 level, will
make his debut for Senegal, where his parents hail from, in
Saturday's key match in Cameroon.

However, Guinea could find themselves in trouble if they use
former Swiss junior international Thierno Bah, who has been
called up for their match against Madagascar on Sunday.

FIFA said they had not received any application for the
player to switch his international allegiance.

Burkina Faso, who face Namibia on Saturday in a Group F
qualifier, could also face sanctions if they choose to play
35-year-old Brazilian-born goalkeeper Nilson or Cameroon-born
defender Herve Zengue.

Zengue made his debut for the Burkinabe against FIFA
regulations in March and they intend using Nilson, from
Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, as their new goalkeeper.

They risk forfeiting the points, however, because FIFA rules
are clear on the subject.

FIFA say players must be either born in the country they
represent, or have had a parent or grandparent born there or
have served an uninterrupted residential qualification period of
five years.
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